Overview The International Track of the MA Sociology is a four-semester, English‑taught, research-focused graduate programme. It is designed for students who want advanced training in sociological theory, methods and comparative analyses of social structures and global processes. Teaching and assessment emphasize academic writing and independent research, making the programme a strong preparation for research careers or PhD study.
Curriculum The programme concentrates on four central fields: Social Structure and Social Inequality; Sociology and Anthropology of the Global World; Sociological Theory; and Sociological Methods. Within these areas you can choose from a broad selection of courses taught in English. In addition, you may pick modules from other MA Sociology specialisations where English-language courses are offered intermittently, including Sociology of Work and Economics, Political Sociology, Organisational Sociology, Sociology of Gender, and Media Sociology. Availability of these optional courses can vary semester to semester, so planning your electives in advance is advisable.
Workload and expectations This is a research-oriented master’s that assumes a high level of proficiency in academic writing. Over the programme you will be required to produce substantial written work: six term papers of 20–30 pages each and a master’s thesis of roughly 70 pages. For complete details on course offerings, semester schedules and up-to-date module availability, consult the programme’s official website.
Key requirements and features
The programme begins with an introductory module made up of three lectures that cover core sociological theory and research methods. Following this, students complete six thematic modules delivered across twelve seminars; at least one of these thematic modules must be taken as a student research project, giving hands‑on experience of designing and carrying out empirical work. The degree is completed with a Master’s thesis and an accompanying colloquium in which you present and discuss your research.
Through the course sequence you will develop an advanced grounding in sociological theory and a solid command of methodological tools. The thematic seminars let you either concentrate deeply in a particular substantive area or build a broader toolkit across topics, while the research project module and the thesis train you in independent research design, data collection and analysis, academic writing, and oral presentation. Together these elements prepare graduates to pursue research careers, further academic study, or evidence‑based work in public, private and non‑profit sectors.
Requirements (concise)
For full details on organisation, scheduling and module offerings, consult the MA Sociology International Track programme website.
Admission overview
This International-track MA is aimed at applicants who already hold a subject-specific Bachelor’s degree in Sociology or an equivalent qualification. Your undergraduate transcript must document disciplinary coursework that demonstrates core sociological preparation. For admission, at least 10 ECTS of relevant coursework must be verifiably recorded in your transcript.
The required preparation is organised into four competency areas. You must provide evidence for each of these areas on your transcript of records. Consult the programme’s Subject-Specific Regulations and the Module Handbooks for full details on acceptable course content and equivalency assessment.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for careers that demand strong analytical, empirical and writing skills. Typical paths include research positions in academia or policy institutes, further doctoral study (PhD), roles in public administration, think tanks, NGOs, and international organisations, as well as positions in market and social research, consulting, and education.
The programme's emphasis on sociological theory, empirical methods and student-led research projects equips alumni with competencies in research design, data analysis, critical interpretation of social phenomena, and professional academic communication — skills valued across the public, private and non-profit sectors.